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Physical Canvas - a living, breathing mood board to explore fashion, lifestyle and travel
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    • A Funny Thing Happened When a Salon in Thailand Did My Natural Hair
      A Funny Thing Happened When a Salon in Thailand Did My Natural Hair
    • Travel Essentials: The Lunette Menstrual Cup
      Travel Essentials: The Lunette Menstrual Cup
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    • My Pregnancy Abroad: Highlights and Unexpected Challenges
      My Pregnancy Abroad: Highlights and Unexpected Challenges
    • The Culture Guide to Bali: Where to Stay, Shop, Sip and Sightsee
      The Culture Guide to Bali: Where to Stay, Shop, Sip and Sightsee
    • A Funny Thing Happened When a Salon in Thailand Did My Natural Hair
      A Funny Thing Happened When a Salon in Thailand Did My Natural Hair
    • packing
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  • lifestyle
    • Repurpose Your Furniture: 3 Simple Standing Desk Ideas
      Repurpose Your Furniture: 3 Simple Standing Desk Ideas
    • My Pregnancy Abroad: Highlights and Unexpected Challenges
      My Pregnancy Abroad: Highlights and Unexpected Challenges
    • How Long-term Travel Almost Cramped My Style in a Jet-setting Paradise
      How Long-term Travel Almost Cramped My Style in a Jet-setting Paradise
    • book reviews
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Lisa

Lisa

Lisa Barber is a wife, sister and thrill seeker for aspirational looks on a budget. Given her love for culture she embarked on a lifestyle to pursue full-time travel by selling her home and resigning from her career to see the world, starting with the purchase of a one-way ticket to New Zealand. Throughout her travels, she seeks to connect readers to global experiences by highlighting fashion abroad, travel guides and personal experiences as a woman of color. As a social media enthusiast at heart, she has a passion for identifying emerging trends in fashion and technology and enjoys working in her local community when she returns to Rochester, NY. Read more

looksAugust 21, 2012

Weekend Wrap-Up Recap 8.20.12

By Lisa

There was nothing but laughter, love and unity that filled my weekend which made it the best weekend of the summer. I kicked off…

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UncategorizedAugust 17, 2012

Double Take: 1 Skirt, 2 Looks

By Lisa

Yesterday the unthinkable occurred….I got into my car and drove to the the fabric store on my free time (!!!) It was awesome!! Glorious…

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hair & beauty, looksAugust 2, 2012

Rasta Bart n’ Box Braids

By Lisa

I could live all day in my 90s clothes….so for the unofficial ‘official’ Throw Back Thursday of the blogosphere, I decided to pay homage…

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looksJuly 30, 2012

Weekend Wrap-Up Recap: 7.30.12

By Lisa

It’s the conclusion of the weekend which can only mean one thing- Monday is here in all it’s glory! This weekend was pretty eventful…

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UncategorizedJuly 24, 2012

Target Tuesdays: Fabulous Florals

By Lisa

It’s been quite awhile since I did a Polyvore Target Tuesday outfit and I was extremely excited to put this particular one together due…

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looks, travelJuly 24, 2012

Weekend Wrap-Up [Recap]: Toronto

By Lisa

My how time flies….this month the hubster and I celebrated four years since saying ‘I do’. As corny as it sounds the journey has…

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UncategorizedJuly 24, 2012

Weekend Wrap-up [Recap]: Fourth of July

By Lisa

So clearly my weekend wrap-ups have been few and far between but I’ve been having an awesome summer despite taking classes. My work load…

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looksJuly 3, 2012

Target Tuesday: Stars and Stripes

By Lisa

Happy Target Tuesday! I can’t get over all the cool 4th of July inspirational photos I keep seeing on style blogs, fashion websites and…

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UncategorizedJuly 2, 2012

Weekend Wrap Up: Bye, Bye June

By Lisa

Weekend Wrap Ups make Mondays so much easier to tackle…too bad I haven’t mastered the art of doing them before I get into work!…

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UncategorizedJune 27, 2012

Trend Trotter: Orange Vintage

By Lisa

So here is my attempt to blog on the go with my outfit of the day instead of waiting to get home and being…

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looks, pressJune 26, 2012

feature: Black Girls Killing It

By Lisa

So yesterday I was pleasantly surprised when @BGKI started following me on Twitter and then sent me a message saying that they featured me…

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shoppingJune 26, 2012

Weekend Wrap Up

By Lisa

Ok, so I know its a wee bit late for a weekend wrap up on Tuesday morning after 1am but I had a great…

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UncategorizedJune 19, 2012

Target Tuesday: Use Your Bikini as a Summer Outfit

By Lisa

Guess who’s back! It’s Target Tuesday, did you forget? So most of you already know that I’ve been pursuing my masters degree (through my…

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hair & beauty, looksMay 9, 2012

OOTD: Sheer Blouse & New Hair

By Lisa

Bye, bye brushes and combs for the summer! I am rocking my waist length braids over the next few months to give my hair…

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UncategorizedMay 8, 2012

Met Gala 2012: The Good & The Bad

By Lisa

Gowns Galore!! Last night was the Met Gala and all I could do is sit my butt on the couch while my bestie and…

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To the woman who birthed me and who is my best fri To the woman who birthed me and who is my best friend. Thanks for being in my life…. and for being brave enough to join me in my aerial class. You nailed it! Thank you @william_dovidio for capturing these shots!

Motherhood has been such a wild rollercoaster and I’m thankful for my two little ones who love me unconditionally. Happy Mother’s Day to all of the wonderful mothers and mother figures.
Took my very first Ariel hoop class this weekend. Took my very first Ariel hoop class this weekend. As a work from home employee, it can be challenging to ensure that I’m moving my body and stepping foot outside my house. 🫣 I’m finding that I’m getting stiffer in my old age and stretching is a requirement, not a luxury. Exploring a few different fitness activities before landing on the one to perfect. Once I do, I’m excited to see how far I can push myself over the next few years. Proof that you’re never too old to try something new. 

Also, the hoop itself is HARD metal- not forgiving at all! Felt pretty good about picking up the poses as a first timer but I’m not sure if I can get down with the metal in my back and the hand blisters that come along with it. 😂 #journeytojoycontinues #fitatfortyplus #arielhoop
When I’m in the car by myself, guess what I be b When I’m in the car by myself, guess what I be blasting?

Silence. 

Just straight silence. 😆

———————————
Now to the real reason why I posted this selfie (cause there’s tons that I don’t post). It’s been a whole year since I’ve grown my eyebrows out while simultaneously looking for someone to work magic on these sparse hairs on my face. 

My sister recommended that I check out @therealcrbeautybar and I came across @_thewaxbarbie_’s work, booked and was not disappointed with the brow lamination and tint. It changed my whole face. 🙌🏾 

Sharing her talent for anyone else looking to elevate their no make-up (mom) look on the go. Just a hint of concealer under the arches and lip gloss and I’m good to go (as I pass as a 30 something year old. Lol). 

I did my lashes the night before but it was really the brows that enhanced my face and made me look and feel less disheveled as a busy professional, parent, wife, etc. 😆 

Go to Hanna and tell her I sent you! 💁🏾‍♀️#nofilterEVER #40plusandfabulous
If March 1st was a person…walking forward with p If March 1st was a person…walking forward with purpose from Black History month to Women’s History Month. Everyday is a day to generate impact in the world as your authentic self. 🙌🏾🎉🙋🏾‍♀️
Initially I was hesitant to post but realized that Initially I was hesitant to post but realized that this may encourage others to explore beyond their comfort zone. 

The peace I needed was found here and over the past few days. Mountains are just as beautiful as beaches. Indulge in the experiences that will leave you breathless just as The Rocky Mountains did for us yesterday.
Walking into 14 years of marriage, today. We didn' Walking into 14 years of marriage, today. We didn't even remember the second picture until my sister, Bri, pointed it out.

Grateful that being partners has been filled with joys and no drama. 💙

Photo: @dmnqphoto 
Make-up: @brandy.k.conner
As I think about a new career opportunity I will s As I think about a new career opportunity I will soon be stepping into, I'm reminded of one of my favorite songs:

"Blessings all pon mi life and
Mi thank God for di journey di earnings a jus fi di plus.
Gratitude is a must! -Koffee"

MUA: @brandy.k.conner 
📷: Lucas

#neworleans #nola #elizajanehotel
This past decade surpassed my expectations. I work This past decade surpassed my expectations. I worked with brilliant poets, earned my masters degree, purchased a home and sold it, traveled, purchased another home, stepped into a defined career path and had two beautiful children (who wear my name out without taking any breaths in between "mommy"🥴). I'm thankful for friendships (especially with other moms when navigating the challenges of motherhood), my support system and for the time spent at home with the family when our laughs fill our home.  Everyday I'm learning to extend myself grace as a parent and a professional.

I've been known to have a lead foot when it comes to pushing the gas pedal on my professional and personal pursuits. The goal for the next ten years and beyond is to live slower by getting better sleep, recommitting to my health journey, practicing radical self-care and creating more downtime for one hobby without feeling as if I need to constantly stay busy or learn another skill. Knowing me, I'll most likely be getting another certification because I just love learning but a woman can dream. 

I've been waiting to get older and get some gray hair too - let's go 40! 😜 #neworleans #nola #elizajanehotel

MUA: @brandy.k.conner 
📷: Lucas Barber
Gifting this #fashionhack I recorded over a year a Gifting this #fashionhack I recorded over a year ago because I need to free up storage on my phone. I've enjoyed my Google Pixel for the last 3+ years but I'm thinking about switching back to iPhone. 

🎵 Secret Sauce by @jeffkaale
Lucky number 13. Dated for 1 year Engaged for 6 m Lucky number 13.

Dated for 1 year
Engaged for 6 months
Married today for 13 years

We slept, ate, hiked and enjoyed being still in the forest, slept some more and dined. 

Thank you to my mom, sister and mother-in-law for taking care of our little humans so that we could take some time out for ourselves...cause Lawd knows we be tired. 🥰
Sending a special happy birthday to the person who Sending a special happy birthday to the person who has added joy, curiosity and adventure to our lives. Happy birthday @lucas__barber 😘
Coming up for air to post... Late last night I to Coming up for air to post...

Late last night I took some me time and whipped up some cocoa butter from a raw batch that I ordered awhile ago. I think I melted and cooled the cocoa butter and coconut oil mixture about 4 or 5xs because I kept forgetting it in the freezer while watching Grand Army. Anyone else watching the Netflix show? The show is reminiscent of my time supporting young adults navigating this thing we called life. It's heavy y'all.

Sweatshirt designed by me🙋🏾‍♀️ #BHM #LiftBlackWomen
Skiing is a sport out of my domain. But I'm determ Skiing is a sport out of my domain.
But I'm determined to break into it since we live in a winter wonderland. Hit the slopes today with good folk! And when I say "hit" I mean the slopes hit me! 🎿⛷️ #cantstop #helpmeLord #skiingday
BLOOM. 🌺 BLOOM. 🌺
Today I didn't extend myself grace even on my birt Today I didn't extend myself grace even on my birthday. With my eyes glued to my double monitors I too easily forgot that it was my birthday for the second half of the day as I worked through my to do list of projects. I came to my senses when I was reminded of my blessings, Lucas and the kids n dem, who are all of the presents that I need. Towards the end of the day I took a break and disinfected the bottoms of my sneakers (even though I've worn them 2 or 3 times) to wear them on my last meeting of the day and felt like a BOSS. 

Corporate America betta get it together because THIS is my new work attire and how I feel most comfortable. 

Thank you everyone for your birthday messages to remind me of the community and connections that have been built. As my boy Snowden said, this is the last year of our 30s- let's make it count. Cheers to being alive and in optimal health at #39yearsyoung. 🤗

Also

1). I've found a new hobby creating fiber art to get me through the winter blues. 

2). My braiding game is getting so much better 😭 

3). I'm still crowning myself the Queen of high-low fashion with my Family Dollar sweat suit paired with theJordan 12s😩. #makeitmakefashionsense
A transcript of a conversation that transpired an A transcript of a conversation that transpired an hour ago.

@lucas__barber: Lisa.

Me: Yeah? *pauses The Queen's Gambit and walks into the living room concerned*

Lucas: I don’t know what it is about our kids but they are incredibly special.

Me: *nods in agreement*

Lucas: The year Levi was born was the year that the Bills broke the curse and made it to the playoffs.

Me: *in my head* Not where I thought this was going.

Lucas: This year, the year Lola was born, Bills won their division for the first time in 25 years securing their spot in the playoffs. And they’ll have a home game. Each year since Levi was born, we have progressively gotten better. If we make it to the playoffs but lose the Super Bowl I think we’re going to have to regroup to see where we’re at to consider trying for a third kid...

Me: Wha—

Lucas: Because THAT kid will give us the win for next season.

Me: Wait what? *confused as a bearer of children and a non-sports fan*

Lucas: If we win the Super Bowl, Lola is the chosen one. Levi doesn’t know it yet but she will get the birth right. Also after we win the Super Bowl we can just cut it offfff cut it offfff. (motioning his hand as a saw to reinforce his new song) Well, not cut it off but you know, the vein.

Me: Lucas, what do me and my ovaries have to do with this conversation??

Lucas: Lisa, your ovaries are curse breakers.

Me: *Rihanna squint gif* 🤷🏾‍♀️

----
12.5 years of marriage and he still has a touch of crazy but is still my babe 🥰
Feast my little squirrel friends. This squirrel be Feast my little squirrel friends. This squirrel bench is for you. 🐿️🍎 

#squirrelbench #happythanksgivng #gratitude
This morning was an exciting opportunity to partne This morning was an exciting opportunity to partner with @wandering_moms to discuss healthcare abroad for mothers looking to travel with their children. I have so many wonderful stories and fond memories of traveling during the five months of my pregnancy and have documented it on my blog for others to use as a resource.

If you're interested in learning more from other mothers, check out the virtual event Wandering Moms Fest: The Exodus Episode scheduled for December 5th at 12:30 pm. You're in for a treat as three other women share their journey and information to navigate healthcare abroad. 🙌🏾

Swipe for details 👉🏾

PS: I tried containing my face (and horror) during the discussion as I watched the snow coming down by the minute! 😩❄️🌨️ 

#wandermom #travelmom #travelingwithmelanin
For the 2016 presidential election, we lived in Ph For the 2016 presidential election, we lived in Phuket, Thailand at the time and watched the results from afar. We went to bed with Hillary in the lead and woke up to the news that Trump had won the presidency. 

"Donald Trump won," I whispered partly to myself and partly to Lucas in shock. 

Watching the results and America unfold from abroad was quite the outer body experience. From the looks on social media, America was having a crisis as we came to grips with the idea of new president who embodied too many isms to count.

Everyday this week I've woken up apprehensive about looking at my phone to see the results. 

With the election being so close right now I hope to never have to whisper thosewords again four years ago. 

Thank you to all who voted and to the tireless people protecting our democracy.
✨Save for later✨ Because Instagram provides ✨Save for later✨ 

Because Instagram provides a never ending wealth of content, I am constantly saving posts that come across my feed. But saving posts is not enough for someone like me who painstakingly LOVES to stay organized which is why I categorize my saved posts by topic. Filing my saved posts by topic helps me reference them quickly later on. I've been doing this for years since the feature rolled out and I wanted to share. 🤗

👉🏾Tag someone who may benefit from this tip and let me know if this helped!

PS: I don't normally sound like a chipmunk but I had to speed up the video to fit it all in! 

#instagramtips #instagram #tipsandtricks 
#explorepage #reels #reelsvideo #reelsofinstagram #blackbloggers #tipsandtricks #reelsinsta #blackinfluencer
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